Copper is used for many high-end cookware on the market. But most cookware made with copper has a cooking surface made of stainless steel, nickel, or tin. And while cookware made of copper is great for heat conductivity, there are some pros and cons.
Advantage:
Because copper is a malleable and ductile metal, it is used in many high-end cookware, which is why high-end cookware manufacturers prefer it over other materials. And of course, the look of copper is distinct and very attractive, making copper cookware a popular choice for many households.
But kitchen utensils made of copper also serve functional purposes. Compared to stainless steel, glass, and aluminum, copper cookware distributes heat much more efficiently, sometimes ten times more. And it doesn’t take much time to prepare food in copper cookware than other types, reducing the number of burnt spots that are unfortunately seen on non-copper cookware.
These types of cookware made of copper are easier to clean and maintain. Although shiny copper looks amazing, there are many people who prefer the aged look of scratched copper. Some high-end copper cookware models have a brushed look, saving the user the time required for polishing.
As mentioned earlier, copper cookware is generally clad with a separate, different metal. By making copper cookware in this way, the copper will not be able to react with the food and it can be cooked evenly.
Disadvantages:
Although there are many great aspects to copper cookware, there are some downsides experienced by hobbyist and professional chefs alike. First of all, due to the malleability of high-end copper cookware, they tend to scratch easily, which is why manufacturers reinforce their copper cookware with other metals. However, metals like tin can become unstable at higher temperatures.
Heat can alter the color and appearance of copper. And since high-end copper cookware is often exposed to heat, there’s no getting around it. Most of the time, the beautiful copper color will change to orange, purple, and deep pink, but you can help slow down this effect by cleaning your copper cookware properly and regularly.
Acidic foods can also tarnish high-end copper cookware, allowing metal to seep into food. The acid sensitivity of copper can eventually render copper cookware useless if lined with tin and the tin wears down to the copper at the bottom; cooking in it will make your food toxic.
Of course, copper is heavier than tin and aluminum, so high-end copper cookware is easier to dent. And the cost of copper far exceeds any other type of metal used to create cookware. You need to take proper care of your copper cookware so that it looks the same as the day you bought it.
Even with all the downsides to these cookware, they are still the metal cookware of choice for chefs around the world as high-end copper cookware can distribute heat better than any other type of cookware. metal kitchen. And the beauty of copper cookware is unmatched, making it a home investment rather than a kitchen utility.
